Throw the term “biker” out there and the first image to come to most minds will be the outlaw — the fast riding, devil-may-care lawbreaker with nothing little more than a tank full of gas, 1,000cc’s between his knees, and a death wish. Thanks to TV shows like Sons of Anarchy and the myriad of motorcycle movies from Easy Rider on down, your average man or woman on the street might be forgiven for thinking trouble is coming whenever they hear the rumble of a “red plate” coming their way.
This image, however, is exactly the kind of stereotype the organizers of the Tiger Mountain Motorcycle Rally (虎山摩托車遊玩派對) are trying to dispel. For Sean Scanlan, a longtime resident of Taiwan and a die-hard fan of all things on two wheels, riding is all about one thing — freedom.
“I’ve had about eight motorcycles in my life. Every time I ride I feel the freedom and the enjoyment. Nothing like grabbing a handful of throttle and just going.”
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool
Scanlan, along with the man widely regarded as one of the most respected motorcycle mechanics in northern Taiwan, Indiana transplant Jeremy Osterman of Lucky 13 Cycles, has put together a family-friendly event with bands, a pig roast, a film screening and of course, plenty of custom bikes to look at.
NEW BIKE CULTURE
The rally will see everything from smaller 150cc custom creations to the 550cc-plus window rattlers which, up until just a few years ago, weren’t even legal on all expressways and freeways in Taiwan. Big bike culture is still relatively new here, but Osterman is poised to watch it gather more enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool
“What I love about Taiwan in general is how people are influenced by other countries such as America, Europe and Japan, but then take that influence to create their own culture. I think the big bike culture in Taiwan is still young and I’m excited to be able to watch it grow, and grow fast!”
What’s significant about this event is the fact that it’s only the second rally that will bring together all the various riding groups from around the northern part of the country. Previously, rallies have been partisan affairs, with clubs being divided by their loyalty to a specific brand or type of bike, or by their differing interpretations of what biker culture should be about. Some events have even been entirely corporate affairs, closed to anyone who doesn’t ride a certain brand of bike. This weekend, all this will be put aside. Riders may have their differences, but at heart, everyone shares the same love for the thrill of cruising the open road on two wheels.
“Motorcycles have always been part of the outlaw, counter-culture movement,” says Scanlan. “It has also been a medium for expressing individuality, creativity, and passion. They say no two Harleys are alike, and I would like to carry that further and say no two motorcycle riders are alike as well, though we share a similar passion.”
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